2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented a sophisticated and luxurious appearance, with its modern Lincoln face being a standout feature in the automaker’s lineup. The Black Label Grand Touring model, although fully loaded and priced at $91,225, had wheels that seemed too plain for its price tag. The vehicle's lighting features, such as the Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence and ambient cabin lighting, added to its allure. Inside, the Aviator's cabin was a mix of high-end materials and intricate design elements, though some details like chrome switchgear and stitching fell short of expectations. The interior was lavish, with a focus on comfort and style, but some elements felt overdone.

In contrast, the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, particularly in the mid-trim Limited with the S Appearance Package, offered a practical yet stylish design. The exterior featured body-colored accents and 18-inch wheels with a "Foreshadow" finish. The split grille and LED lighting added a modern touch. Inside, the Pacifica Hybrid's interior was dark but sophisticated, with Nappa leather seats and a well-designed dashboard. The controls were user-friendly, though the proximity of the HVAC and transmission selector dials could cause confusion. The Pacifica Hybrid's interior was functional and comfortable, catering to families with its spaciousness and practical features.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, delivered impressive performance with its 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. Despite the added weight from its electric motor and battery, the Aviator offered 21 miles of electric range and 23 mpg combined in hybrid mode. The SUV featured multiple driving modes, including Pure EV and Preserve EV, allowing drivers to optimize battery usage. During testing, the Aviator achieved 163.4 mpg when relying heavily on electric power. However, the drivetrain's unpredictability and inconsistent brake pedal behavior were noted. The Aviator's handling was commendable, thanks to its Dynamic Handling Package, but it lacked the fun factor in driving dynamics.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a 16-kWh battery and two electric motors, offering 32 miles of electric range and 30 mpg combined. In testing, the Pacifica exceeded these figures, achieving 33 miles of electric range and over 550 miles of total range. Charging the battery took two hours on a Level 2 charger. The Pacifica defaulted to all-electric mode, which was efficient in city driving but less so on highways. The plug-in hybrid model was front-wheel drive only and lacked some features available on gasoline-only models. Despite these limitations, the Pacifica Hybrid provided a smooth and comfortable driving experience, with sufficient power for highway passing.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with features like a four-zone automatic climate control system, heated and ventilated seats, and massaging front seats. The second-row captain’s chairs were spacious, but the third-row seat was cramped and difficult to access. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use, offering just 18.3 cubic feet, but expanded to 77.7 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered family-friendly features like the FamCam interior camera and comfortable seating. The second-row seats were low, but the third row was spacious enough for adults. The Pacifica Hybrid lacked the Stow ‘n Go seats due to the battery placement, but still provided 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 140.5 cubic feet with seats folded. However, it missed out on features like a built-in vacuum cleaner and heated second-row seats.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator was equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Sync 3, which included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a navigation system. However, the voice recognition system was outdated and struggled with complex commands. The Aviator featured a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system and smartphone-related tech like wireless charging and Phone As A Key. The digital instrumentation and head-up display were user-friendly, and parking assistance features were comprehensive.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers, though it was an expensive addition. The Pacifica Hybrid provided ample charging options with USB ports, 12-volt outlets, and wireless charging, ensuring devices remained powered throughout journeys.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator featured Co-Pilot360 driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. The system performed well on highways but struggled in dense traffic. The Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system was effective, and the adaptive cruise control was smooth. The Pacifica Hybrid had not been rated by the NHTSA for 2023, but the 2022 model received a five-star rating. The IIHS gave it Good marks, with some areas needing improvement.